Work distributions in the T=0 Random Field Ising Model

We perform a numerical study of the three-dimensional Random Field Ising Model at T=0. We compare work distributions along metastable trajectories obtained with the single-spin flip dynamics with the distribution of the internal energy change along equilibrium trajectories. The goal is to investigate the possibility of extending the Crooks fluctuation theorem to zero temperature when, instead of the standard ensemble statistics, one considers the ensemble generated by the quenched disorder. We show that a simple extension of Crooks fails close to the disordered induced equilibrium phase transition due to the fact that work and internal energy distributions are very asymmetric

Examples of Berezin-Toeplitz Quantization: Finite sets and Unit Interval

We present a quantization scheme of an arbitrary measure space based on overcomplete families of states and generalizing the Klauder and the Berezin-Toeplitz approaches. This scheme could reveal itself as an efficient tool for quantizing physical systems for which more traditional methods like geometric quantization are uneasy to implement. The procedure is illustrated by (mostly two-dimensional) elementary examples in which the measure space is a $N$-element set and the unit interval. Spaces of states for the $N$-element set and the unit interval are the 2-dimensional euclidean $\R^2$ and hermitian \C^2 planes

The uncoupling limit of identical Hopf bifurcations with an application to perceptual bistability

We study the dynamics arising when two identical oscillators are coupled near a Hopf bifurcation where we assume a parameter $\epsilon$ uncouples the system at $\epsilon=0$. Using a normal form for $N=2$ identical systems undergoing Hopf bifurcation, we explore the dynamical properties. Matching the normal form coefficients to a coupled Wilson-Cowan oscillator network gives an understanding of different types of behaviour that arise in a model of perceptual bistability. Notably, we find bistability between in-phase and anti-phase solutions that demonstrates the feasibility for synchronisation to act as the mechanism by which periodic inputs can be segregated (rather than via strong inhibitory coupling, as in existing models). Using numerical continuation we confirm our theoretical analysis for small coupling strength and explore the bifurcation diagrams for large coupling strength, where the normal form approximation breaks down

Mass treatment of trachoma with azithromycin 1.5% eye drops in the Republic of Cameroon: feasibility, tolerance and effectiveness

International audienceAn epidemiological study carried out in 2006 indicated the existence of a high prevalence of blinding trachoma in the Kolofata Health District, Far North Region, Cameroon. As a result, the national blindness control program of Cameroon instituted a trachoma elimination programme using the SAFE strategy

Asymptotic states and SS-matrix operator in de Sitter ambient space formalism

Within the de Sitter ambient space framework, the two different bases of the one-particle Hilbert space of the de Sitter group algebra are presented for the scalar case. Using field operator algebra and its Fock space construction in this formalism, we discuss the existence of asymptotic states in de Sitter QFT under an extension of the adiabatic hypothesis and prove the Fock space completeness theorem for the massive scalar field. We define the quantum state in the limit of future and past infinity on the Sitter hyperboloid in an observer-independent way. These results allow us to examine the existence of the $S$-matrix operator for de Sitter QFT in ambient space formalism, a question usually obscure in spacetime with a cosmological event horizon for a specific observer. Some similarities and differences between QFT in Minkowski and de Sitter spaces are discussed.Comment: 21 page

Developing a Macroscopic Mechanistic Model for Low Molecular Weight Diffusion through Polymers in the Rubbery State

Raman microspectroscopy was used to determine the Fickian diffusivity of two families of low molecular weight molecules through amorphous polystyrene in the rubbery state. Different effects of the temperature on diffusivity for each of the families suggested that molecular mobility is controlled by both the volume and flexibility of the diffusing substance when the movement of polymer chains can generate stress induced deformation of molecules. The diffusing molecules were represented as Newtonian spring-bead systems, which allowed us to quantify their flexibility, in function of the vibration frequency of their bonds by reconstructing their theoretical spectra. Results showed that the use of molecular descriptors that take into account flexibility rather than the most stable conformation of the diffusing molecules may improve the description of the diffusion behavior caused by variations in shape and size of the free volumes of the polymeric matrix in the rubbery state

Cd localisation and speciation in a contaminated sediment and in the Znand Cd hyperaccumulating plant Arabidopsis halleri

International audienceThe purpose of this work was to characterise the chemical speciation of Cd in a Zn- and Cd-contaminated dredged sediment subjected to a phytoremediation treatment with the hyperaccumulator plant Arabidopsis halleri